Monday, March 3, 2014

Haagen-Dazs Tiramisu Gelato

[By Nick, 2014-2016] With Dubba being the first to cover some of the new Ben & Jerry's Coreflavors, it seems only fitting that I’m the first to cover some of the new gelato flavors from Haagen-Dazs. Out of the four new flavors, Tiramisu was the one I knew I needed to try first. While their Cappuccino gelato left a lot to be desired last year, I have high hopes for this one. See, I loved the flavor of G.S. Gelato Tuscan Tiramisu but felt like it needed ix-ins to take it to a whole new level. On the other hand, Ben & Jerry’s Volun-Tiramisu was weak in the coffee flavor but their lady fingers made up for it. It sounds like Haagen-Dazs has combined the two and hopefully it will be a winner.

Haagen-Dazs Tiramisu Gelato

Tiramisu gelato with cocoa ladyfinger pieces

Removing the lid leads to no surprises. The beige base looks like just about every other coffee flavor you’ll find. It’s disappointing that there are only minimal signs of the lady finger pieces. Then again, Haagen-Dazs isn’t known for having a large mix-in quantity.

Whoa, the tiramisu base is spot on! The coffee flavor is pleasantly mild but still noticeable. It’s the perfect intensity for this application. The mildness works to let the mascarpone shine through. The cheesiness isn’t overpowering and blends perfectly with the coffee flavor. Combined with the hints of cocoa, you’re getting a perfect flavor replication of tiramisu in gelato form.

Speaking of gelato, I think Haagen-Dazs might have done some reformulating. While not authentic, the texture is closer to actual gelato than just a creamier version of their regular ice cream. Haagen-Dazs has a winner here and the lady fingers seal the deal. While traditionally soft, these lady fingers have a bit of a crunch to them. While I wasn’t expecting that, it’s a pleasant surprise. The only way I can describe them is that they’re like a biscotti/lady finger hybrid. The flavor is reminiscent of sponge cake but with more of a crunch. I know they’re cocoa lady fingers but I couldn’t really point out a difference in cocoa intensity between them and the base. My worries from the top layer were for nothing because the pieces were literally everywhere.

All things considered, I think it’s safe to say that Haagen-Dazs Tiramisu has dethroned Ben & Jerry’s CCBBB as my favorite coffee flavor. My only complaint is that I may have devoured that container in one sitting and would’ve loved to have those extra two ounces Haagen-Dazs shorts you.

Veridict? As close to tiramisu you’re going to get.Buy Again? Contemplating going back to the store as we speak.

I can see why you like this one, Nick as Haagen Dazs did a decent job with this one. I was surprised by how many lady finger pieces were in a serving, but unlike your pieces which were crunchy, mine were soft and chewy. When I had my first scoop, the first thing that came to mind was Kahlua, as the base flavor reminded me of the flavor of Kahlua (without the alcohol), but since it has been a long time since I have had Kahlua my memory and judgment are probably skewed.

I appreciated the sweetness of this flavor, but one serving of this stuff was satisfying enough. I'd still pick Gotta Have Java (Stonyfield) Froyo, Café Late Greek Froyo (Dannon Oikos), or Cappuccino Gelato (Haagen Dazs) over this, but if this was the only coffee flavor left, I would definitely pick it up again.

Hi Nick! I live in the Northern California where occasionally Grocery Outlet stores- surplus stores- carry great ice cream deals! Just Friday I found 2.5 gallon drums of this stuff for $8! Picked one up and sent Dubba lotsa pictures of my purchase. He may or may not post. Have been eating a scoop each day. Nice and rich texture... It's gonna last a while! The same store is selling surplus Dreyer's (Edy's easy of the Rockies) Rocky Road for $6- also 2.5 gallons :O.